Expired goods have a bad image, but in most cases they are still in perfect condition. Expert Silke Schwartau explains what we should bear in mind when buying and handling food.

Best-before date: what does the term stand for and who sets the date?

"The best-before date (BBD) indicates the minimum shelf life of a food product. It is set by the manufacturer. They guarantee the highest quality of the food up to this date - and often set it early to play it safe."

Is it the same as a throw-away date?

"No, unfortunately that's a big, widespread misconception: the best-before date is not an expiry date. Pasta, chocolate or dairy products, for example, can still be of good quality and be eaten after the best-before date. Supermarkets sometimes sell food that is about to expire - they can be a real bargain."

Is the best-before date mandatory for all food?

"For almost all. There are a few exceptions, for example sugar, vinegar, chewing gum - or food sold loose, such as bread, vegetables, fruit and sliced sausage."

What is the difference to a use-by date?

"Different rules apply to a specially indicated use-by date, for example on minced meat: There is a risk of germs and bacteria developing and multiplying in these sensitive foods. Once the use-by date has expired, you should dispose of these products, otherwise you could get sick."

Is the best-before date even important and useful?

"Yes, it is an important achievement for consumer protection, as it means that outdated goods have disappeared from supermarket shelves. Without such a date, there is a risk that the 'shelf warmers' will return. The consumer advice centers are therefore demanding that if the best-before date is removed, at least the production or manufacturing date must be stated on the packaging."

What can unsettled consumers do?

"On our website www.vzhh.de, if you enter 'When do I have to throw away food' in the search mask, you will find a table that will help you to save food that could otherwise end up in the garbage can unnecessarily. It lists exactly how long individual products generally keep for and how they are best stored."

Check correctly
Has the best-before date on your yogurt expired?

Then test it yourself to see if it is still edible before throwing it in the bin. Check it - or other foods - with all your senses. Is it discolored? Does it smell funny? Has the consistency changed? Of course: if mold has formed, throw it away. Otherwise, simply try a small spoonful and trust your own judgment. In most cases, the product is still good.